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BEAVER CREEK — As the world’s top cyclists began their journey from Steamboat Springs to the Beaver Creek’s mountaintop finish on Thursday, 10 renowned artists also began a competitive race of their own in the second annual Pro Art Challenge.

As the pro riders raced, the artists performed live in front of the large crowd of spectators in Beaver Creek, creating their masterpieces. Using a theme of “America’s Race,” the artists were asked to incorporate this concept, along with a cycling theme, into their work. A panel of judges determined the winning artists.

The artists demonstrated their skills in a variety of art mediums, including painting, sculpture, woodworking, airbrush, collage and spray paint.

Spectators enjoyed the rare opportunity to see a plethora of artists in action and watch their progression on thair respective pieces throughout the event. Attendees also had the chance to bid on the artwork through a silent auction.

The winners

When the judging was complete, Brent Brewster was awarded top honors. Second place went to Dustin Zentz, and Chula Beauregard nabbed third place.

Brewster’s winning work of art was a stenciled bike scene, which he spray painted onto a rustic window panel.

Zentz painted a close up image of a bicycle intertwined with an America flag, while Beauregard painted the Beaver Creek bike race scene with spectators waving an American flag.

‘Fun and fulfilling day’

“All of the artists did an incredible job working under time restraints, dealing with fluctuating weather and representing the theme within their pieces,” said Lauren Merrill, owner of Alpine Arts Center and one of the event organizers.

“This is our second year putting on this event in Beaver Creek and it is always a fun and fulfilling day for everyone involved,” Merrill said. “A huge thank you goes out to all of the artists, as well as to Beaver Creek for hosting the Pro Art Challenge.”